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07-29-2016, 08:48 AM
So for those of you who don't have your shop in the garage, what do you do for mechanics tools?
I find I need sockets and wrenches on a semi-regular basis for the shop as well as in the garage and invariably what I need for one is located in the other. I don't particularly like keeping the metal tool chest in the shop as I've not found a good place for it, but I also hate trouncing to the garage whenever I need something too.
So what do you do? Keep 2 sets of tools? Keep just a separate small set of tools commonly required in the shop and your full set in the garage? Suck it up and be a man and quit whining about it like a little girl?
I'm leaning towards the latter and just hitting up a harbor freight for a few wrench sets and a socket set that I could just keep in a small drawer or something. I'd love to see pictures if you have something.
-Marc
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Location: Wapakoneta, OH
I keep smaller, but adequate, tools sets in each location with the master set being in the garage. This was done over a long period of time, so the cost didn't seem to be as painful as it probably was. I didn't go the HF route, but that would certainly be a viable option...their tools are not the greatest, but they can do the job. I live in a farming area, and many of the farmer's have a small set of HF tools on each tractor in case something happens out in the field.....or if the hired hand thinks he needs the tools more than they do!
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
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I too have ended up with multiple sets of tools. One in the truck, one in the utility room and one out in the shop. Even started building a forth set for my budding HVAC hobby, career.
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Location: N. Cincy inside the loop
I hate the interruption and chasing things down when I need them - and letting LOML borrow things. So I have redundant stashes of mostly small tools in several work areas - not necessarily complete sets, just the things I might use in that place. I also keep a small set of pilot bits and driver bits in the case with my cordless drill so it's there when I have to grab-and-go, and the full set at my workbench. Probably drives minimalist LOML up the wall, but it's my version of the BS motto "Be prepared" and USMC's "Semper paratus."
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Location: New Jersey
Being a denizen of various flea markets, when I've seen quality mechanics tools and such I've picked them up, to the point where I have a dedicated set for plumbing, electrical and auto each in its own tool box; I have another set of mechanics tools in a box in the shop, and another in my pickup and a short set in my car. But this is 20 years of accumulation. If there's a flea market near you, take a trip down a few times during a month, August is good because its slow and vendors offer better deals. Some guys literally have long tables with piles of loose tools on them, some decent makers too. A guy I know literally specializes in buying broken Craftsman tools and returning them for new (much, much too complicated and time consuming for me); even if not broken, vintage craftsman tools were well made and can be gotten for a song.
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Non impediti ratione cogitationis
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Since the shop doesn't need super duty strength, I have a set of 3/8" drive metric and standard sockets from HF in the shop. They hang on the wall. Also a set of screwdrivers, nut drivers, and Allen head wrenches in bot metric and standard, again all from HF. That covers about 98% of shop needs for me at a reasonable cost.
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Multiples. Full array in the garage, large stuff in the tractor shed, and a 1/4 and 3/8 $49 Sears set for the basement or to carry, since it's one of the "through socket" types.
Keeping one in the formed plastic case is a great idea. Carry from place to place.
Better to follow the leader than the pack. Less to step in.
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Location: SoMar
I have a rolling tool chest & a workbench with drawers both full of tools.
I also keep a tool bag for working on stuff around here, like the tractor & lawnmower. It has Channel Locks in it too. For the odd plumbing job, etc.
If I know I'm going to be working on something difficult, I take it to my basement shop & do it. If it's simple maintenance, I usually grab my bag & do it in the garage.
It depends on what I have to work on. Sometimes, I wait until my wife is here & use her as a gopher. Her knees are in way better shape than mine are.
My garage is unheated & uninsulated, so I don't leave any hand tools out there.
They will rust overnight.
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Mechanics tools are unlike woodworking tools, they have little value used. Probably because China makes some acceptable ones for peanuts, like those silly black chrome Stanleys sets on sale for $99. At the fleamarket if you avoid Snap-on or maybe Craftsmen, you can pick up American made tools of better quality for much less.
A man of foolish pursuits
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Location: St Boni, MN
I've got a set in the truck, a set in the trailer, Full set in the garage, small set in the shop, small set in the house, and a travel set in a tool bag. I like to repair my own stuff when it craps out.
Mike
If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room!
But not today...
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